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Council adds three‑way stop, removes parking near Waite’s Wharf after fire access concerns
Summary
The council approved multiple interdepartmental traffic commission recommendations: a three‑way stop at Spring/Bowery/Yonge, new ride‑share and police parking restrictions, residential parking adjustments, and removal of parking on Thames Street after fire department video showed emergency apparatus difficulty turning at that corner.
The Newport City Council approved a package of traffic and parking changes recommended by the Interdepartmental Traffic Commission (ITC). The measures include a three‑way stop at the intersection of Spring, Bowery and Yonge streets, multiple new timed and restricted parking zones, and removal of parking on Thames Street near South Baptist Street to improve fire apparatus access.
Nut graf: Councilors approved the ITC’s multi‑item package after public comment from neighborhood residents and presentation of video by the fire department showing an aerial ladder truck negotiating the corner while vehicles were parked nearby. Councilors said the visual evidence and incident counts (cited by staff as 34 crashes at the intersection over 10 years) supported action to reduce risk and improve emergency access.
Key actions: the council continued one ITC item to allow additional local input (a proposal to add multi‑way stop signage in another location was continued at a councilor’s request) and approved the three‑way stop at Spring/Bowery/Yonge. The council also approved a series of parking changes: designating specific ride‑share pick‑up/drop‑off zones (drivers must remain in vehicles), adding residential parking designations for Bush Street, police‑employee parking on certain segments of Oak and Collins streets, and a limited police/visitor parking zone on a section of Bridle Street. Removal of parking on Thames south of South Baptist was approved specifically to ensure clearance for fire apparatus; Fire Marshal Justin Duol presented video showing historic and current difficulties getting large apparatus through the corner when vehicles are parked.
Councilors heard from residents who described daily safety risks and from fire officials who said the problem is ongoing. Staff said notifications were sent to residents within 200 feet of affected intersections as part of ITC outreach. Councilors asked staff to continue community engagement on items that had been continued and to provide signage and enforcement plans for implemented changes.
Ending: The changes take effect as ordinance amendments are codified and signs posted; staff will follow up with implementation timelines and enforcement details.
